Advice to New Fanstorians
Viewing comments for Chapter 4 "Posting & Reviewing for Newbies "Tips and advice for the new members
31 total reviews
Comment from Lea Tonin1
This is great Jim! So helpful for new reviewers! And look at you go it's up there on the scale of great things to do you know there's only one thing that I can do for this gym and that is to let you know how wonderful I think this is by awarding a six I'll see no issues with grammar aesthetics subject matter or sentence structure this is a great piece of work and very considerate of you to do! I hope you have the best of days!
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024
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This is great Jim! So helpful for new reviewers! And look at you go it's up there on the scale of great things to do you know there's only one thing that I can do for this gym and that is to let you know how wonderful I think this is by awarding a six I'll see no issues with grammar aesthetics subject matter or sentence structure this is a great piece of work and very considerate of you to do! I hope you have the best of days!
Comment Written 15-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024
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Thanks so much, Lea. That's very kind of you. I enjoyed sharing some of what I've learned here at FanStory and hope that it will help others with issues I've had and approaches I try to take in my reviews.
Thanks much for the 6 stars too!
Comment from Lisasview
Excellent advice....
Hopefully loads will read it.
I no longer use Word.. I now use Pages.
I do have a question that I am hoping you might know the answer to.
When I first joined Fan Story last year someone mentioned that I should never place my Title above the body of my work.
Or under my image.
Also how many reviews does one need to be recognized?
And I believe there is another step above that?
Thank you for your help,
Lisa
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Excellent advice....
Hopefully loads will read it.
I no longer use Word.. I now use Pages.
I do have a question that I am hoping you might know the answer to.
When I first joined Fan Story last year someone mentioned that I should never place my Title above the body of my work.
Or under my image.
Also how many reviews does one need to be recognized?
And I believe there is another step above that?
Thank you for your help,
Lisa
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Thanks, Lisa. Maybe that advice to you was because it's unnecessary to put the title anywhere in the body, since it is always displayed automatically by FanStory based on what you entered for the Title when creating the post.
It takes 15 reviews to be recognized and 26 reviews to get All Time Best status for the month.
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I have 26 reviews but I did not get all time best?
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If you just got the 26th, it should appear shortly--probably tomorrow.
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Thank you so my Ji...you are correct I just saw it.. such fun...
Lisa
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Probably but when one posts their work in a professional manner there is a correct way to do it. However, Fan Story doesn't like it so I will not do it.
Thank you,
Lisa, spending her day recuperating from a new knee and reading and reviewing and of course writing,
Lisa
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Are you referring to "Innocence?" It's there now at All Time Best #39. It sometimes takes a day or so to show up. Did you get a message about it from FS?
Hope you're doing well and that recovery isn't too difficult.
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Saw your other reply first and responded to it.
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Yes, thank you so much and I do see they did add All Time Best
Did you look at it?
Lisa
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Thank you
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Just did and gave you a 6 for it. Beautifully written poem, Lisa. I've been slow in getting to reviewing lately because of writing my own story.
Comment from Mk Flood
Jim this is helpful to the newbie writers. What advise would you give to the artists whose artwork was selected for the writers story and yet shut out from communicating with the writer? Sometimes it is a surprised to the artist and all he or she want to do is thank the writer for it being selected. Many artist may not be able to articulate their thanks. Also many artist and photographers are not premier members on the FanStory. Which means if YOU writers (many do) tag your work to be reviewed by premier members only. Shuts out standard FanStory members. Like us FAR artists and photographers. When i was a standard member i used to just go directly to contact and thank the writer. However, if the writer is in a blind contest that shuts out the non member artist of the work that YOU use and again we can't thank the writer. That does urk me. Kinda makes the folks on the FAR side feel like little people on the ladder so to speak. I make available over 1300 cartoons and illustrations for you writers here FanStory. It would be nice if the 2 sites created a link that we communicate when a writers selected the artist's or photographer's work. Curious about your opinion on this and maybe suggestions on how this could be worked out and presented to Tom? Great job on the writing and posting advise. (thumbs up) MKFlood
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Jim this is helpful to the newbie writers. What advise would you give to the artists whose artwork was selected for the writers story and yet shut out from communicating with the writer? Sometimes it is a surprised to the artist and all he or she want to do is thank the writer for it being selected. Many artist may not be able to articulate their thanks. Also many artist and photographers are not premier members on the FanStory. Which means if YOU writers (many do) tag your work to be reviewed by premier members only. Shuts out standard FanStory members. Like us FAR artists and photographers. When i was a standard member i used to just go directly to contact and thank the writer. However, if the writer is in a blind contest that shuts out the non member artist of the work that YOU use and again we can't thank the writer. That does urk me. Kinda makes the folks on the FAR side feel like little people on the ladder so to speak. I make available over 1300 cartoons and illustrations for you writers here FanStory. It would be nice if the 2 sites created a link that we communicate when a writers selected the artist's or photographer's work. Curious about your opinion on this and maybe suggestions on how this could be worked out and presented to Tom? Great job on the writing and posting advise. (thumbs up) MKFlood
Comment Written 13-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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This is an area of FanStory I'm not familiar with and don't have much advice for you except to say that do your best to present a reasonable argument to Tom. I've found him to be quite a reasonable guy in most of my communications with him.
I don't really understand what the FS logic might be in the case you are bringing up, but try to point out that it seems inconsistent with what happens on the writing side. He may give you a logical explanation for why it is what it is; I just can't imagine what it might be. Good luck with this Mk.
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i do and chat with him quite a bit. However, when i saw you were offering advise to the newbie writers here i thought maybe you have some opinion on what i mentioned .no worries and thanks for taking the time in your response
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
I so agree with what you are saying here, Jim. I love it when someone picks out a piece of my chapter to compliment me on. I also know, when reading a review, if that person did actually read it! Descriptions are a must if you want to put the reader there as the scene takes place. Your tips are well thought out, and give newbies (and old timers) some excellent advice on how to succeed here, and in their writing. You deserve a six for this, but sadly I don't have one. Exceptional piece, my friend. Warmest hugs, Sandra xx
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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I so agree with what you are saying here, Jim. I love it when someone picks out a piece of my chapter to compliment me on. I also know, when reading a review, if that person did actually read it! Descriptions are a must if you want to put the reader there as the scene takes place. Your tips are well thought out, and give newbies (and old timers) some excellent advice on how to succeed here, and in their writing. You deserve a six for this, but sadly I don't have one. Exceptional piece, my friend. Warmest hugs, Sandra xx
Comment Written 13-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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Thanks so much, Sandra. I agree that it's gratifying to have specific lines or points you've made complimented. It lets you know that your work is coming across in a meaningful way and the type of thing you should continue doing with your writing.
So, you liked my description of the barn! I just made that example up. It's something I have to continually remember to do in my own writing rather than just use a simple adjective or adverb.
I learned a lot about that from Stephen King's book On Writing where he says that he tries hard not to use adverbs anymore, preferring instead to use actions to show what he means. For example, rather than say, "I nervously approached the door," instead say, "my heart was pounding, and I was sweating as I approached the door." Much more meaningful and identifiable to the reader that way.
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I'll have to get that book. I do try to use more actions than adverbs, but sometimes they slip in. 😊 xxx
Comment from karenina
Not just for Newbies! I appreciate your helpful advice as well as examples that make this easier to understand...
I am not tech savvy and will be forever thankful for the helpful hints about single line spacing as well as that aggravating white "shadow"--
I'll practice and hopefully get a handle on taming the quirks of Advanced Editor.
I groan at the mandate of 150 characters when reviewing a 5-7-5 or one line poem.
Often I skip... or find myself struggling to not ramble for the sake of characters.
I appreciate detailed reviews...
Every suggestion is considered, and most are adopted!
I also love to hear how a post affected a reader... Did their perception match my intent?
If not, it is frequently rewarding to consider how the writer and reader have " collaborated " due to their life experience and it's just inspiring to read a different take!
You practice what you preach. Your reviews are always insightful!
Karenina
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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Not just for Newbies! I appreciate your helpful advice as well as examples that make this easier to understand...
I am not tech savvy and will be forever thankful for the helpful hints about single line spacing as well as that aggravating white "shadow"--
I'll practice and hopefully get a handle on taming the quirks of Advanced Editor.
I groan at the mandate of 150 characters when reviewing a 5-7-5 or one line poem.
Often I skip... or find myself struggling to not ramble for the sake of characters.
I appreciate detailed reviews...
Every suggestion is considered, and most are adopted!
I also love to hear how a post affected a reader... Did their perception match my intent?
If not, it is frequently rewarding to consider how the writer and reader have " collaborated " due to their life experience and it's just inspiring to read a different take!
You practice what you preach. Your reviews are always insightful!
Karenina
Comment Written 13-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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Thanks so much, Karenina. This was an excellent review and typical of the many reviews I've had from you. You certainly don't need any tips on reviewing. I'll never forget your clever review for my poem, "The Capriciousness of English" in which you wrote your own poem as a review. Priceless. And, as I did on that one, it's a review nomination for you!
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
I think I understand how to post better thanks to you. I always have trouble getting it in a large enough font, which doesn't always come out that way when I look at it. I also didn't realize I could "view" something after I posted it without going to the read section. Since I don't know that much about poetry, I usually point out lines I liked best.
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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I think I understand how to post better thanks to you. I always have trouble getting it in a large enough font, which doesn't always come out that way when I look at it. I also didn't realize I could "view" something after I posted it without going to the read section. Since I don't know that much about poetry, I usually point out lines I liked best.
Comment Written 12-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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That's a great way to review poetry, Carol, if you don't know that much about it. So glad you found some value in the posting tips.
When preparing a posting, at the very bottom there is a Preview checkbox that, if checked, will immediately post the entry and doesn't give you a chance to view your posting before it gets posted. Make sure that checkbox isn't checked. Somehow I inadvertantly checked it one time and wondered why I didn't get a chance to review my posting first.
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I must have checked it also. Thanks for the tip.
Comment from Janet Foor
Wow! I wish I had this tool when first entering writings on FanStory. It is very helpful and I'm going to bookcase it for future reference. It should accompany all newbies on our site.
Very helpful and detailed information Jim. I especially liked the part about font size and how to keep the writing single spaced. Sometimes I have difficulty with that. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings
Janet
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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Wow! I wish I had this tool when first entering writings on FanStory. It is very helpful and I'm going to bookcase it for future reference. It should accompany all newbies on our site.
Very helpful and detailed information Jim. I especially liked the part about font size and how to keep the writing single spaced. Sometimes I have difficulty with that. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings
Janet
Comment Written 12-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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Thanks very much, Janet. I would love to have read this whole book when I joined. There's lots of other helpful advice in the other chapters too. It sure would be good if these sort of tips would be readily available to people when they join.
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
I have to agree with people who rate your work "good" or criticize something you've written without telling you why. And I wish more people would review work that isn't great (I read a lot of other's reviews) by telling the writer it could be improved, instead of sharing a like story and moving on. When I make suggestions about improvement, 9 out of 10 people thank me. That's why we're here!
There was a member here that, for a while, used a standard answer that he copied and pasted on everyone's page - same words, always. I ended up copying his review and pasting it to one of his posts - he never reviewed me again. Actually, I'm not sure he's even around anymore.
I think this book of tips is shaping up to be very helpful to newbies; hopefully, they'll read it, take the advice of those who have been here a while, and earn member dollars to promote their work in the process!
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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I have to agree with people who rate your work "good" or criticize something you've written without telling you why. And I wish more people would review work that isn't great (I read a lot of other's reviews) by telling the writer it could be improved, instead of sharing a like story and moving on. When I make suggestions about improvement, 9 out of 10 people thank me. That's why we're here!
There was a member here that, for a while, used a standard answer that he copied and pasted on everyone's page - same words, always. I ended up copying his review and pasting it to one of his posts - he never reviewed me again. Actually, I'm not sure he's even around anymore.
I think this book of tips is shaping up to be very helpful to newbies; hopefully, they'll read it, take the advice of those who have been here a while, and earn member dollars to promote their work in the process!
xo
Pam
Comment Written 12-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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Those are good points you've made, Pam. I would also agree that most people I give suggestions to thank me. A few will argue with me and not give an inch and never thank me for trying to help them, but that's fairly rare.
I think I know who you're talking about. I muted him because I kept getting the same garbage review over and over.
I thought it was a great idea by Helen to start the book. I just hope the newbies find it and read it.
Comment from Iza Deleanu
Thank you Jim for sharing your views on how to post literature, but also in how to give feedback, and I am guilty as charged sometimes I do "filler-reviews", so sorry.
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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Thank you Jim for sharing your views on how to post literature, but also in how to give feedback, and I am guilty as charged sometimes I do "filler-reviews", so sorry.
Comment Written 12-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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We've all done that from time to time, especially when there just isn't much to say about a piece, which I find is the case on short poems such as 5-7-5s. I seldom review those anymore for that reason.
Comment from Pearl Edwards
This is quite an informative piece on posting and reviewing, Jim. Especially the annoyances with the posting. I've found that frustrating while getting used to my new tablet. You bought up some good points. Cheers
Valda
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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This is quite an informative piece on posting and reviewing, Jim. Especially the annoyances with the posting. I've found that frustrating while getting used to my new tablet. You bought up some good points. Cheers
Valda
Comment Written 12-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
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Thanks so much, Valda. The thing that bugs me the most is that pasting right from Word causes double-spacing. I asked FS-Tom about this, and he said it comes from Microsoft Word that way. I suggested a possible workaround, but we'll see what he says.